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Shelters sought for homeless youths in Nashville

An effort is underway to give homeless young adults in Nashville a place to go at night where they can feel safe and be who they are, the Tennessean reports.

The Launch Pad effort aims to raise funds to support shelters for homeless people between the ages of 18 and 24, many of whom are LGBT. The effort began after the Oasis Center had to close its shelter for young adults this year because of the loss of federal funding. The goal is to raise $10,000 to support shelters where all homeless young adults will be welcome as long as they are tolerant and respectful of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

“We are not going to be at the door asking if you have your gay card,” said Pam Sheffer, who is spearheading the effort with partners in Nashville’s LGBT community.

Although Sheffer is an employee of the Oasis Center, the Launch Pad initiative is independent from the Nashville nonprofit that serves at-risk youth.